I had my mammogram the other day. And since the x-ray technician performing my exam was a menopausal goddess, we struck up an instant rapport. Upon finding out about the Venus group, she asked me to distill what we’d learned together – sort of a 25 words or less synopsis because other mammos were waiting to be grammed. I summed it up this way. "Every woman is different and has to conduct her own risk benefit analysis to decide what is best for her. And the way we get wisdom is through woman-to-woman sharing."
After agreeing wholeheartedly, she shared that two of the gynecologists at the big medical center in our nearest city offer no other recommendations for women suffering menopause symptoms than HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy.) "And they are young! In their 30’s still." Proving what I’ve always suspected: that hardening of the attitudes is not an age-related phenomenon.
Although menopause is not a disease, it is still important to be followed by a physician. Notice that I say "followed" by a physician. It’s all too easy to find ourselves being be "led" by our health care providers. You and your primary care provider must work together. If you cannot form a partnership with your doctor, then find another who will work with you. I cannot emphasize this strongly enough. You are responsible for your own healthcare. Educate yourself.
My professional training in nursing school covered the area of women’s health as the "Reproductive" module. We learned a great deal about fertility, the birth process, and diseases of the reproductive system. We learned almost nothing about menopause. 1200 pages of textbook and virtually none of it dedicated to the second half of a woman’s life.
Even today many health care practitioners have learned little more, or they have only learned some standard practices that may exclude some of your choices. In all fairness, so little research exists on The Big M that it’s no wonder there is a dearth of expertise among health care personnel.
We must become our own experts in the areas of women’s health and menopause, and more specifically on our own individual bodies. Thankfully, there are a great many menopausal goddesses out there willing to share all they’ve learned and to offer support and laughter as we travel this journey we didn’t choose.
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We really are our own advocates. When seeing my doc for different issues, I always feel like she is shocked when I bring up a different point of view or ask a pointed question about her treatment recommendations. 50% of the time, these conversations lead to slightly different treatment options and even a completely different course of action (that is more holistically-based and I feel I can be at peace with). I agree with your post — research, research, research!
Hmmm – sounds like some ass-kicking is due to the medical society. And if we don't get collectively LOUD, their selective hearing may remain undisturbed.
we are our own best authority… and many physians are thought to ignore this idea… My doctor is not like that at all he actually came out and said If you aren't intrested in your best health why should I be?… We are in this thing together…. I have always had excellent repour wtith him I have had others with not such an open mind… Much more like Iam the Doctor That's why attitude… they Are not our mothers and we are not 4 they do not have our best intrest at heart … We actively need to let them know what we think and what we want not just accept thier word at face value…and leave the practice if they do not
Yep, there are two sides of the coin. I've heard doctors complain that their patients don't want to take responsibility for their healthcare too. Although I do find more that prefer the doctrine that they know best. We need to choose healthcare practitioners that will partner with us – like yours has.
Thanks for this article. As a newly web, I considered all menopause blog, but ended up registering with http://8menopause.com. We all understand the struggle and confusion that women can experience as they go through menopause, and the importance of having good information for making healthy decisions. So, I believe people will enjoy reading this blog and found useful things. Thanks!
loved the photo and loved the blog. Almost everyone upon seeing the beautiful flowers, would just take a picture of it, but you have taken the time to look at all the different angles and have come up with this great photo…. much like our process of menopause, take the time to look at all the angles and you may end up with a great life!!!
As we all knwo everyone`s body chemistry is different. To educate our selves along with our doctors should be our number one priority. Since menopause can being hard for some of us, Can`t stress enough about doing research, sistahs! Know that there are always those who can relate and be helpful as well. Again, kudos to Lynette!